Gretchen Crosby VanBenthuysen, born Jan. 21, 1953, passed away March 12, 2026.
She is survived by her loving husband, Geoffrey Larkin; her two children, Crosby Carol Larkin and Conor James Larkin and his wife Lauren and their daughter Autumn; her stepdaughter Cari Larkin and her son Alex; as well as sisters-in-law Judith Larkin and Dr. Carolyn Taylor and her husband Dr. Kenneth Taylor and their son Rory. She is also survived by her nieces, Brittany and Allyson, and their families, as well as many cousins, especially Beverley Foster and her brother Allen and his wife Roberta.
Gretchen was born in Montclair to a career Air Force family. She was raised for a good part of her life in England and Germany and traveled extensively throughout Europe. She was a champion swimmer both in Europe and the United States, in addition to being an avid cyclist. Upon returning to the United States, she attended over 10 schools while her father was posted to different air bases. When her father retired in New Jersey, she received her bachelor’s degree from Rider College and her master’s from Kean University. While attending Rider, she worked as an intern at the Asbury Park Press, and upon graduation was offered a job as a reporter. During her 38 years at the Press, she served as editor of several sections and as the theater writer.
Gretchen also wrote for the Publications Backstage and Variety in New York. In addition to her print media, she also wrote articles for WCBS radio and had her own blog, Theater Cues, which was read internationally. After retiring from the Press, she wrote human interest articles for The Two River Times.
Gretchen was an avid reader and never went anywhere without a book. She was a fantastic gardener and had several award-winning blue-ribbon specimens at the Monmouth County Fair. Gretchen always said she wanted to be a member of the Good Mommy’s Club. As it turns out, she was the president. As a theater critic, she took both of her children to see more than 90 Broadway shows and other plays in New Jersey. Every weekend, she would take her son all over the state to practice his driving.
Gretchen had a fantastic dry sense of humor, but never once in 36 years of marriage did she laugh at her husband’s hilarious jokes. She was the heart and soul of her family and will be truly missed.
She was predeceased by her father, CMS James VanBenthuysen, and Dorothy Crosby VanBenthuysen, his wife; her brother-in-law, Blaine Larkin, and several dear cousins.
Donations to the Alzheimer’s Association may be made in her name.
A memorial gathering will be held from 4 to 8 p.m. March 23 at the Clayton & McGirr Funeral Home, 100 Elton-Adelphia Road (Route 524), Freehold. Interment will be private.
For more information or to leave condolence messages for the family, visit claytonfuneralhome.com.
The article originally appeared in the March 19 – 25, 2026 print edition of The Two River Times.
